The writer's guide to queries, pitches & proposals

Review by Booklist Review

Even though there are thousands of howtobeawriter books already in print, there always seems to be a new way to tackle this familiar subject. Allen, an established writer, editor, and publisher, takes a handson approach to a very specific aspect of the topic, telling (and, through examples, showing) wouldbe authors how to get out of the starting blocks by crafting solid queries, pitches, and proposals. She also addresses such related questions as finding an agent, preparing a story synopsis, and using the Internet as a research tool. In addition to its specific focus, what sets this book apart from its numerous competitors is Allen's stance on breaking the rules: in a word, don't. Unlike many howto books, which tell budding writers it's OK to get creative with a proposal, this one tells it like it is: if you break the basic rules, you substantially reduce your chances of making a sale. This doittherightway point of view is refreshing and entirely proper. An excellent reference book that's sure to find an eager audience. --David Pitt

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Library Journal Review

This update of a 2001 book is a broad guide to nearly any type of formal introduction a writer may need to make on his or her own behalf. Allen (Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer), along with several other contributors, offers advice on querying and pitching for numerous markets including nonfiction, fiction, magazines, columns, international (new to this edition), and corporate. Allen also includes helpful, harder-to-find information on niche areas such as the greeting card market (new to this edition) and grants, fellowships, and awards. Since this is the kind of reference work writers may read in sections, it benefits from the thorough table of contents. Most writing guides cover the query, proposal, or pitch by genre; Allen's update consolidates this information into one manageable guide. Verdict Writers seeking help with the art of query writing would do well to try this book before buying several market-specific ones. Those owning the first edition should purchase this new one.-Stacey Rae Brownlie, Lititz P.L., PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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